“TRUST that all that unfolds is an opportunity.” After a legal awareness camp in Guptakashi, empowered women like our facilitator Anjana, started filing RTI (Right to Information act) applications. This form releases vital information and life saving documents such as the BPL (Below Poverty Line) Card that gives people access to food. Most of the villagers live under the poverty line, which means they survive on less than $1.90 USD per day. Anjana, was unable to acquire the card for two years due to red tape and bureaucracy, yet after our workshop she proactively took actions towards securing her rights. In the photo, she is holding the RTI response from the Government stating that her card that she filed for TWO years ago was finally ready for pickup at the local office! ‪

Many women and girls in villages are not aware of laws on violence against women, of their legal rights, or how to exercise these rights. Empowering women with legal literacy and awareness training is a necessary step towards alleviating issues such as, sexual harassment and domestic violence. Moreover, community led sessions on other social issues such as child sexual abuse, alcoholism and the right to information (RTI) have significant impact. In the North Zone, AMMACHI Labs’ skill training centers, and other active outreach areas, are not only providing free seminars to women, but also empowering women to take actions towards social change. Seminars included legal awareness training for women’s groups, setting up awareness seminars that address the specific issues domestic violence, alcoholism, sexual harassment, forced marriage, child sexual abuse, and more.

Street play and workshop on the Right to Information.

Street plays and puppet shows were a successful way to engage the community and disseminate important messages through theater and art. Some of the villages included, Chandrapuri, Indhpur, Udaipur and Nala. AMMACHI Labs plans to extend such important seminars in other regions in India as well.